INTRODUCING....!!!
Joanna Culver - Portland, Oregon
Project Homeless Connect/Billings Area Resource Network
Mayor's Committee on Homelessness/City of Billings
I am from a small farming community in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, and am excited to spend the next year in beautiful Billings, Montana. This May, I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Neuroscience from Brown University, and after my year as an AmeriCorps VISTA, I hope to attend medical school.
I have had the opportunity to serve in a variety of capacities over the years: as a volunteer at the Rhode Island Free Clinic; as a volunteer with a crisis hotline in Providence; as an activities coordinator at a care center for people with advanced Alzheimer’s disease; and as an occasional volunteer at a shelter and soup kitchen in Portland, Oregon. These experiences have led me to the conclusion that, for me, a meaningful and purpose-driven life must by definition be a service-driven life. To that end, I look forward to working with the Billings Area Resource Network and the Mayor’s Committee on Homelessness, and serving as the event coordinator for Project Homeless Connect 2010.
Mayor's Committee on Homelessness/City of Billings
I am from a small farming community in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, and am excited to spend the next year in beautiful Billings, Montana. This May, I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Neuroscience from Brown University, and after my year as an AmeriCorps VISTA, I hope to attend medical school.
I have had the opportunity to serve in a variety of capacities over the years: as a volunteer at the Rhode Island Free Clinic; as a volunteer with a crisis hotline in Providence; as an activities coordinator at a care center for people with advanced Alzheimer’s disease; and as an occasional volunteer at a shelter and soup kitchen in Portland, Oregon. These experiences have led me to the conclusion that, for me, a meaningful and purpose-driven life must by definition be a service-driven life. To that end, I look forward to working with the Billings Area Resource Network and the Mayor’s Committee on Homelessness, and serving as the event coordinator for Project Homeless Connect 2010.
**to contact Joanna email her at vista3@ci.billings.mt.us or call (406) 657-8289**
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Katie Woloszyk
- Madison, WisconsinFamily Support Network
I grew up in a suburb of Madison, Wisconsin. This past spring I received my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Minnesota State University Mankato. Volunteering has always been a priority as well as a favorite past time in my life. Throughout my years of volunteering, the most recent experience touched my heart. I volunteered at a local Salvation Army summer day camp for at-risk youth. I spent summer afternoons doing crafts, playing board games, and going to the local pool. I also lead team building and leadership activities for the kids to participate in. I felt it was important for them to work together and develop relationships within the camp that they never interacted with. The time I spent with these kids will never be replaced. I enjoyed learning who each and every one of the kids were and who they wanted to become. I loved coming into camp every day to kids enthusiastically waiting to see me. I believe that I not only made a difference in their lives, but the kids have made a HUGE impact on my life. I was able to gain a lot of trust from the children and as time went on throughout the summer, I was giving advice for relationship issues, college uncertainties, family problems, and personal issues that no child should ever have to face in their lifetime.
I am so grateful for all the opportunities I have encountered over my years of volunteering. In many ways, I believe my volunteering experiences have shaped who I have become as a person. I have become more open-minded, ambitious, and caring for those people in community. My passion for lending an open hand led me directly to the AmeriCorps VISTA program. I fell in love with Family Support Network’s mission statement. FSN recognizes that children are the foundation of the future and that the family as a basic unit of society is the natural environment for the growth and development of all its members. The agency provides intervention, support and assistance to children diagnosed with mental illness, as well as families and their children at risk for abuse or neglect. FSN recognizes the importance of parents in the lives of their children and seeks to help them access appropriate support and education in appropriate, nurturing parenting techniques. My assignment for the next year at FSN will be volunteer recruitment, sustainability, creating public awareness, and fund raising, fundraising, FUND RAISING!! I feel truly honored to be spending my time in Billings, MT and looking forward to the many challenges that await me.
I am so grateful for all the opportunities I have encountered over my years of volunteering. In many ways, I believe my volunteering experiences have shaped who I have become as a person. I have become more open-minded, ambitious, and caring for those people in community. My passion for lending an open hand led me directly to the AmeriCorps VISTA program. I fell in love with Family Support Network’s mission statement. FSN recognizes that children are the foundation of the future and that the family as a basic unit of society is the natural environment for the growth and development of all its members. The agency provides intervention, support and assistance to children diagnosed with mental illness, as well as families and their children at risk for abuse or neglect. FSN recognizes the importance of parents in the lives of their children and seeks to help them access appropriate support and education in appropriate, nurturing parenting techniques. My assignment for the next year at FSN will be volunteer recruitment, sustainability, creating public awareness, and fund raising, fundraising, FUND RAISING!! I feel truly honored to be spending my time in Billings, MT and looking forward to the many challenges that await me.
**to contact Katie email her at katie.woloszyk@gmail.com**
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Jessica Mowry - Ligonier, PA
I am originally from a small town outside of Pittsburgh, PA called Ligonier, which was built surrounding Fort Ligonier during the French and Indian war in 1758. I moved away from home to attend a small private Baptist university in Wingate, NC, east of Charlotte, called Wingate University. There I received a Bachelor of Arts in Communications. Upon graduating, I had the whole world at my fingertips, but with the humbling experiences I engaged in during my years in college, and my time spent living abroad, I wanted to continue my drive for service. I wanted to use my skills not to make money for some fortune 500 business, but to help people that don’t get attention and help they deserve. I have no desire to help the rich get richer.
Waiting for a direction, I applied to graduate school at Florida International University for their Integrated Marketing and Public Relations program. With no confidence in receiving acceptance, I applied for the AmeriCorps VISTA program, also with little confidence. I continued working my shiftwork day-job when summer arrived and I continued waiting. I was chosen for an interview with three AmeriCorps VISTA positions, in Alaska, in Billings and Louisiana. Even before my interview for MVP I was absolutely in love with the position. It became my number one priority, even after getting accepted to the FIU graduate program. I cannot tell people enough how much this has shown me what I am supposed to do with my life. I am so privileged, and although I have struggled blood, sweat and tears to get where I am today I have the understanding and passion to share with the people I am serving here in Billings.
My choice to join AmeriCorps VISTA was driven by my desire to continue doing service work, to “fight poverty with passion” as well as being able to use my privileges to help others. My VISTA assignment description is targeted to raise awareness of homelessness and the poverty issues in the City of Billings. I am dedicated to speaking for those that can’t get their voice heard. I want to tell the stories that break the mold of normal stereotypes, and I want to change the perception of the homeless and impoverished communities. In a nutshell, I want to save the world! And I plan on doing this by revealing all the pieces of the puzzle in order to bring understanding, along with compassion, to doorsteps and beyond.
Waiting for a direction, I applied to graduate school at Florida International University for their Integrated Marketing and Public Relations program. With no confidence in receiving acceptance, I applied for the AmeriCorps VISTA program, also with little confidence. I continued working my shiftwork day-job when summer arrived and I continued waiting. I was chosen for an interview with three AmeriCorps VISTA positions, in Alaska, in Billings and Louisiana. Even before my interview for MVP I was absolutely in love with the position. It became my number one priority, even after getting accepted to the FIU graduate program. I cannot tell people enough how much this has shown me what I am supposed to do with my life. I am so privileged, and although I have struggled blood, sweat and tears to get where I am today I have the understanding and passion to share with the people I am serving here in Billings.
My choice to join AmeriCorps VISTA was driven by my desire to continue doing service work, to “fight poverty with passion” as well as being able to use my privileges to help others. My VISTA assignment description is targeted to raise awareness of homelessness and the poverty issues in the City of Billings. I am dedicated to speaking for those that can’t get their voice heard. I want to tell the stories that break the mold of normal stereotypes, and I want to change the perception of the homeless and impoverished communities. In a nutshell, I want to save the world! And I plan on doing this by revealing all the pieces of the puzzle in order to bring understanding, along with compassion, to doorsteps and beyond.
**to contact Jessica email her at vista2@ci.billings.mt.us or call (406) 247-8645**
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Clare Kain - Houston, Texas
Clare Kain - Houston, Texas
Greetings everyone, my name is Clare Helena Kain. I am one of the seven new AmeriCorps MVPs serving in Billings, MT. I am from northwest Houston, TX; where the humidity is so intense, it will keep you barricaded inside for days. Since my transition to Billings, I’ve been soaking up a lot more vitamin D and enjoying every moment of it.
In the summer of 2007, I graduated from the University of Texas in Austin with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Studio Arts. I plan to pursue a career in Art Therapy after I complete my year-long stint as a Vista. Originally, I had been interested in joining the Peace Corps, but eventually realized that the AmeriCorps program would be a better fit. When scanning through the AmeriCorps website only a few months ago, I stumbled across the Second Chance Home’s (SCH) Sustainability Plan listing. Soon after looking into the program further, I knew it would be effortless for me to become fully committed to such an organization. Second Chance Homes is a non-profit establishment that helps families recovering from drug addiction gain access to housing and provides a safe and sober environment for parents and children to be reunited. I hope I am able to provide Second Chance Homes with an effective and comprehensive Sustainability Plan by July 0f 2010. Keep your fingers crossed and be on the lookout for me!
**to contact Clare email her at clarek@sch-mt.org **
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Michael Dummeyer - Long Island, New YorkSocial Enterprise "Elevate the Workplace"/ Mayor's Committee on Homelessness/City of Billings
Hi, my name is Mike. I come from a place called Long Island, New York (I’ve been to the New York City many times, but no, I did not grow up there). As a Sociology student at SUNY Purchase, my senior project focused on raising awareness and funds for subaltern groups (people who are under most others radar). Having worked at a Princess Cruise’s Alaska Lodge one summer, I met tons of people who said the only place they could compare its beauty to was Montana, so why wouldn’t I want to be here? After graduation, I planned on a hiking/camping trip that was to dwarf any I tried before. Instead, I filled out an application to AmeriCorps and made a resume on Monster.com. My first interview was for my current position in Billings titled “Social Enterprise and Elevate the Workplace.” I was told I’d have to wait to hear their decision. The only other interview I scheduled after that was with a finance company. I arrived five minutes early for the interview, and was five minutes too late. The group interview had already begun and I told the receptionist I’d call back to reschedule. I never did.
I am here to find businesses that have a purpose beyond their shareholders profit. I am here to promote others to do the same; to take a stake in the goals of individuals that work for them and get everyone that does excited about elevating the water so all the boats can rise. I will raise the water, even if its means the only contribution I can give is my sweat. I will brood over the problem. I will, with my will, find a way to help others find their way.
I am here to find businesses that have a purpose beyond their shareholders profit. I am here to promote others to do the same; to take a stake in the goals of individuals that work for them and get everyone that does excited about elevating the water so all the boats can rise. I will raise the water, even if its means the only contribution I can give is my sweat. I will brood over the problem. I will, with my will, find a way to help others find their way.
**to contact Mike email him at vista1@ci.billings.mt.us or call (406) 247-8654**
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Bill Dickman - Milwaukee, WisconsinSalvation Army
My name is Bill Dickman and I'll be spending the next year of my life working as a Volunteer in Service to America (VISTA) partnering with the Salvation Army. I was born and raised in a tiny little town outside of Milwaukee and graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Madison. During my time there I often encountered people who hadn't a place to call home, and watching crowds of happy students pass them by everyday. I would do what I could for them, be it give them a little money or buy them a cup of coffee and a sandwich. I think the most important thing I gave to them was a little company. Whatever their problems were, and most of them had issues the average person could not relate to in any way, I always saw, when they opened up, a person deep within so beautiful that it pained me very much that they should be in such a condition. But what could I really do for them? I was busy with school and work and "barely getting by" myself.
After I graduated I spent seven weeks volunteering at a school in Columbia S.A. Witnessing the impoverished conditions of some of the people there was very alarming. It made me think; ‘There are people in the United States, the most wealthy and prosperous nation in the world, living in the same conditions.’ It seemed insane. When I came back I took a menial job doing customer service for AT&T. A friend of mine told me she was applying for a volunteer job with AmeriCorps. I checked it out on-line and thought; "This is my chance." I did a search for volunteer positions helping the homeless. Of all places, what was happening in Billings really caught my heart, that is, an effort to end homelessness.
What I am doing now is not buying people a cup of coffee and a sandwich, but setting up sustainable structures for volunteers to connect with the homeless and provide them with educational, emotional, and psychological support. It's my belief that the lack of this support was a major contributor to the current condition of these homeless and impoverished individuals. By providing these services, the problem of homelessness can be fought on the highest level. Every human has intrinsic dignity and value and deserves to live in according conditions. I would like to see homelessness ended all through the world. Let's start in Billings!
After I graduated I spent seven weeks volunteering at a school in Columbia S.A. Witnessing the impoverished conditions of some of the people there was very alarming. It made me think; ‘There are people in the United States, the most wealthy and prosperous nation in the world, living in the same conditions.’ It seemed insane. When I came back I took a menial job doing customer service for AT&T. A friend of mine told me she was applying for a volunteer job with AmeriCorps. I checked it out on-line and thought; "This is my chance." I did a search for volunteer positions helping the homeless. Of all places, what was happening in Billings really caught my heart, that is, an effort to end homelessness.
What I am doing now is not buying people a cup of coffee and a sandwich, but setting up sustainable structures for volunteers to connect with the homeless and provide them with educational, emotional, and psychological support. It's my belief that the lack of this support was a major contributor to the current condition of these homeless and impoverished individuals. By providing these services, the problem of homelessness can be fought on the highest level. Every human has intrinsic dignity and value and deserves to live in according conditions. I would like to see homelessness ended all through the world. Let's start in Billings!
**to contact Bill email him at Bill.Dickman@usw.salvationarmy.org **
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Liz Jung - Denver, Colorado
Liz is originally from Denver, Colorado. She graduated from Colorado College in 2008 where she studied Sociology with an emphasis on Race Relations. In College she traveled abroad to Seoul, South Korea; and San Jose, Costa Rica to learn about each country’s culture and language. She also lived in Chicago for a semester to take part in an Urban Studies program that focused on social justice. On campus, she co-chaired a student organization, BreakOut, that offered community service trips during school break for the college community. After graduating, Liz moved to St. Louis to participate in the Coro Fellows Program in Public Affairs. The Coro Fellows Program in Public Affairs is a full-time, nine month, graduate-level experiential leadership training program that prepares diverse, intelligent and committed individuals for effective and ethical leadership in the public affairs arena.
After the Fellows Program ended, Liz joined Americorp VISTA to return to the fields of service and social justice. She is now serving United Way of Yellowstone working on financial literacy for the Billings community.
After the Fellows Program ended, Liz joined Americorp VISTA to return to the fields of service and social justice. She is now serving United Way of Yellowstone working on financial literacy for the Billings community.
**to contact Liz email her at liz.jung@unitedwayyellowstone.org **
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Julia Guarino - Weston, Connecticut
Downtown Billings Alliance
I arrived for the first time in Billings Montana one evening last January, with no permanent residence and not knowing exactly what to expect of the coming year. As any VISTA can tell you, Pre-Service Orientation is overwhelming, and you’re head is still spinning when you arrive in your new home town only hours after it ends. Optimistic, however, I began my VISTA journey (step 1: find housing!).
Now more than halfway through my service, I am both grateful for the opportunity to experience all that I have in this year (including the perspective temporary homelessness and enrollment in the SNAP program bring), and I look forward to the many things I will learn in the coming months. Working with the Mayor’s Committee on Homelessness on further developing the 10-Year Plan, through which I have gained great knowledge about the diverse nature of homelessness and national best practices in the attempt to end homelessness , I know that by the end of my year of service I will feel that I have both contributed to the growth of the Billings community, and have the knowledge I need to continue to make an impact back home, or wherever I land next.
I have also had the opportunity to work with the Downtown Billings Alliance on their Spare Change for Real Change campaign. Spare Change for Real Change is an educational and fundraising campaign designed to encourage the public to give in productive, rather than destructive ways. Currently, change collection boxes are placed on the counters of local businesses, where customers are encouraged to give change where it will go directly to service providers, rather than to panhandlers, who too often make use of it to feed an addiction. I have been given the task of expanding the program, have developed the new website, and plan to unveil a set of retired parking meters recycled into donation meters in the coming months.
When I graduated from Bard College in 2007, infused with optimistic idealism, I was determined to make a difference in my work. I began by teaching English as a Second Language to adults in Washington DC, but within the year I began to realize that though the small impact I made on the lives of my students could be both rewarding and meaningful, I craved something larger. When I came across the VISTA program, where I would have the chance to build the capacity of an existing non-profit, make greater use of my skills, and see a new part of the country, I knew it was for me. I am grateful for what I have experienced thus far, and I can’t wait to see what the last few months of my service will bring!
**Contact Julia by email: vista@downtownbillings.com, or at the Downtown Billings Alliance, 2817 2nd Ave North, 406.294.5060 x101**
This is Mike. I do not endorse the use of said photo. It is not me.
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